The Man From BeyondStrange Bird ImmersiveEscape roomIRLFantastic acting. This was almost more of a performance and magic show than an escape room. There were interesting puzzles, although nothing extraordinary. The storytelling and set design were masterful. I could appreciate it but I wish the puzzles were a bit more memorable. Still, a unique and great experience.
ExtractionThe Curium ExperienceEscape roomIRLPhysical elements were very creative and memorable. They allow you to skip them for medical reasons but I strongly recommend doing them as they really add to the immersion. Game master was exceptional. She was energetic and cheerful which made the whole experience quite enjoyable. The game mechanics were unique and something I had never seen before.
Wanted: Dead or AliveNo Exit IlioupoliEscape roomIRLA lot of unique rooms and clever entrances to said rooms. Excellent live actor who was a joy to be around. Great range of puzzles, some tricky some straightforward.
The BirdMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLThe best set design I have ever seen. Puzzles are well done and thoughtfully integrated into the room. GM was sweet and had a positive attitude. Overall had such a great experience that we knew we had to come back and do their other rooms.
Paradox Project 2: Το Βιβλιοπωλείον [The Bookstore]Paradox ProjectEscape roomIRLThis is the pinnacle of escape rooms. Given its size, it’s more of an escape house rather than an escape room. Immersive storytelling, great ambience, and a massive variety of puzzles. Each individual puzzle of medium to hard difficulty, but because there are so many of them and they are all quite different from each other, it made the escape house extremely difficult without several hints. I went in with a group of 2 but I STRONGLY recommend going in with at least 3. You could tell the GM is extremely passionate about the game which made it all the more enjoyable. One of the best escape games I have ever played. It is not scary (ie no jump scares) but it does have creepy elements. Be prepared for an incredible (and long) journey, as this is meant for escape room veterans looking for bigger experiences.
PlaygroundThe Escape Game - NYC MidtownEscape roomIRLSo innovative and playful! It’s rare to have an escape room that’s just pure childish fun. Great range of puzzles that makes you feel like a kid again.
Montauk ProjectMyssTic RoomsEscape roomIRLThe set design is less cohesive than The Bird. It’s meant to be that way because you’re traveling through portals, but that felt disappointing. However, the puzzles themselves are extremely creative and well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed solving them and that made the experience worthwhile. GM was upbeat and left a positive impression.
Special Ops: Mysterious MarketThe Escape Game - NYC MidtownEscape roomIRLVery fun theme with a very apt title, “mysterious market”. The Escape Game put 2 random players in with us which detracted heavily from the experience. I strongly recommend going in as a private group. Mixing groups interferes with communication and caused us to get stuck on a puzzle because we didn’t realize one of the strangers was holding on to hidden information.
The Mad ScientistKlues Escape RoomEscape roomIRLGreat escape room where the theme is highly relevant and critical to the escape. Slightly spooky but not scary. The room is a bit dated and one maze puzzle in particular was quite finicky. That said, it’s well done and I do recommend playing it.
Deep Space5 WitsEscape roomOther This isn’t a regular escape room. It’s more like an action adventure game with puzzles. A lot of fun if that is the experience you are looking for. Not particularly difficult.